The focus of the book is that the purpose of statistics is to organize an argument from quantitative evidence, using a form of principled rhetoric. Five criteria: magnitude, articulation, generality, interestingness and credibility - are proposed as crucial features of a pricipled argument.

Particular statistical methods are discussed, with minimum use of formulas and heavy data sets. The ideas throughout the book revolve around elementary probability theory, t-tests, and simple issues of research design. It is therefore assumed that the reader has already had some access to systematic coverage of elementary statistics. Many examples are included to explain the connection of statistics to substantive claims about real phenomena.

"Everyone doing research or planning to do research should read this book. You will be surprised at how much you will learn." - Psychological Science "The book itself is the best demonstration of the validity of Abelson's thesis. It proves that statistical issues can be addressed in an articulate, interesting, entertaining and persuasive way." - British Journal of Mathematical & Statistical Psychology "Abelson has, in brief, produced a thought-provoking synthesis of the woes and promises of much modern sychological statistics." - British Journal of Psychology